As with most of the genus Sillago, the oriental trumpeter whiting has a slightly compressed, elongate body tapering toward the terminal mouth, reaching a maximum overall length of 30 cm.[1] The body is covered in small ctenoid scales extending to the cheek and head. The firstdorsal fin has 11 spines and the second dorsal fin has 1 leading spine with 18 to 20 soft rays posterior. The anal fin is similar to the second dorsal fin, but has 2 spines with 17 to 19 (usually 18) soft rays posterior to the spines. Other distinguishing features include 67 to 72 lateral line scales and a total of 34 vertebrae.[4]
Swim bladder morphology is the most effective way to distinguish it between related species S. maculata and S. burrus. The swim bladder has three anterolateral extensions; not four and it differs from S. maculata in lacking well developed anterolateral extensions reaching to the level of the vent.[1]
The colour of the oriental trumpeter whiting is similar to both S. burrus and S. maculata, having blotches that are like oblique bars, but the most posterior mid-lateral dark brown blotch is elongate and reaches caudal flexure. The blotches are not connected as in S. maculata. The belly is silvery to grey coloured.[